The newsletter for the WKU community |
|
|
|
President's Message:
Academic Innovation
|
Dear Colleagues,
As we welcomed students back to campus during the past two weeks, I hope you are renewed and invigorated by their return.
While we know the value of postsecondary education and the lifelong benefits of a college degree, we must convey to prospective students and their families why the WKU Experience is worthy of their investment. Of Kentucky seniors graduating last year, only 47 percent pursued an educational experience beyond high school, down from 57 percent only a few years ago.
WKU remains committed to educating students broadly, exposing them to new ideas and experiences, honing their critical thinking skills and teaching them to express themselves clearly and persuasively. We also must commit ourselves to continual academic innovation and renewal, creating new programs that respond to student interests, meet the needs of our region, and address the grand challenges facing our world. We have much to celebrate on this front, with several new programs enjoying healthy enrollments and generating additional interest in studying with us.
|
|
Doug Tate, WKU Housing & Residence Life Assistant Director of Housing Administration, received the Kentucky Association of Housing Officers (KAHO) Unbridled Spirit Award last week. Learn More
|
|
|
|
The WKU Forensics Team captured first place in Lincoln-Douglas Debate at the 25th annual Gorlok Gala, hosted by Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, January 27-29. |
|
|
|
|
GFCB using grant to support student success initiatives |
The Gordon Ford College of Business (GFCB) has been chosen for the Immersive Soft Skills Grant from Bodyswap and Meta. GFCB will receive two Meta Quest 2 headsets and access to the Bodyswaps Library of soft skills training simulations. The virtual reality headsets and modules will enable students to experience realistic workplace scenarios and training in communication & public speaking, employability & job interview, diversity, equity, & inclusion, management & leadership, and customer experience. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spotlight: Coriolis Effect |
By throwing a ball while taking a spin on playground equipment at Roland Bland Park, students in Dr. Gordon Emslie’s Physics 450 class witnessed the effects of the Coriolis force in a real-world environment. |
|
|
|
|
Faculty member receives grant for atomic force microscope |
Dr. Ali Oguz Er, an Associate Professor in the WKU Department of Physics and Astronomy received a KY NSF EPSCoR RIE grant to fund the acquisition of an atomic force microscope.“Atomic force microscopy will make the invisible visible to us,” Dr. Er said. The microscope is a powerful tool that enables the imaging of almost any type of surface, including polymers, ceramics, composites, glass, and biological samples on a nanometer scale. |
|
|
|
|
Side by Side registration open |
Registration is open for Side by Side, a program for school aged children with special needs. Children take a series of free classes at the Kentucky Museum which are followed by a one-on-one collaborative session with a professional artist. Side by Side is presented in partnership with Arts for All Kentucky. Classes begin February 11. More: Celebration of the Arts deadline
|
|
|
|
|
Student Scholar Showcase workshop series schedule |
Mark your calendars and encourage students to attend the virtual WKU Student Scholar Showcase workshop series, which begins February 7. Students will prepare for the WKU Student Scholar Showcase and learn professional skills in presenting research and creative activity through displays, exhibits, performances, posters and talks. |
|
|
|
|
The LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research is seeking nominations for its annual awards recognizing WKU students and child welfare professionals. The deadline is March 15. |
|
|
|
|
Beginning at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, there will be increased traffic congestion on Avenue of Champions near Downing Student Union as buses drop off and pick up schoolchildren for the DECA Regional Conference. |
|
|
|
|
Dr. Julia Roberts, Executive Director of The Center for Gifted Studies, will preside over the Proclamation Signing Ceremony designating February as Gifted Education Month in Kentucky at noon EST Wednesday in the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Staff Senate
The Staff Senate will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Downing Student Union, room 2081. Learn More
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SKyTeach Presentation
SKyTeach will host Full STEAM Ahead: Art & Math Collide!, a presentation by Dr. Susan Gerofsky, visiting professor from the University of British Columbia, at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Kelly Thompson Hall, room 1008. Learn More
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Black History Month
The Black History Month Opening Ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Harbaugh Club, Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Learn More
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Western Kentucky University
1906 College Heights Blvd.
Bowling Green, KY 42101
|
|
|
|
|
|
